File Sharing Software - Tax Returns, Bank Statements and More

Gregory Kopiloff recently pleaded guilty to one count each of mail fraud, accessing a protected computer without authorization to further fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He was using file sharing programs like Limewire to commit identity theft. Individuals have been prosecuted for using these programs to share copyrighted music and movies in the past, but this was the first case, the Justice Department said, where they were used for identity theft.

Using the file sharing programs, Kopiloff accessed confidential computer files including tax returns, credit reports, bank statements and student financial aid applications. He also used old school methods to to gain this information including stealing mail and dumpster diving.

Kopiloff will be sentenced January 28 and faces 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for the mail fraud charge, five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for accessing a protected computer. Aggravated identity theft carries a two year sentence, which can be served consecutively with his other penalties.